Opinion- Leeds United could finally get their new Alioski in “underrated” £1m-rated gem

Leeds have found their next Alioski in “underrated” £1m talent.

The Whites might secure Ezgjan Alioski’s heir by releasing a “underrated” player.

Leeds United have had numerous lingering issues in recent years, with last season’s relegation being the conclusion of their failure to address them.

Should Daniel Farke continue his experiment, there could be a surprise solution to one of those difficulties at left-back.

Who is the left-back for Leeds United?

While most clubs would have no trouble informing you who their first-choice left-back is, the Whites have had a lot of trouble filling that position ever since Ezgjan Alioski left.

 

After joining from Swiss club Lugano, he quickly established himself as a stalwart in Marcelo Bielsa’s backline, which rarely stayed in its defensive positions. He was given the extremely precise task of replicating their opposite winger, and he also possessed a sharp attacking impulse that enabled him to succeed in English football, where full-backs appear to be becoming more and more crucial with each passing season.

The North Macedonia international had four excellent years in Yorkshire, with the 2018–19 campaign—when they advanced to the playoffs but lost to Derby County—possibly serving as the high point.

Ezgjan Alioski’s English League Seasons	Goals	Assists
2020/21 (Premier League)	2	3
2019/20 (Championship)	5	5
2018/19 (Championship)	7	5
2017/18 (Championship)	7	5

All stats via Transfermarkt

Despite this, his Championship efforts were absolutely outstanding, with a 7.03 average rating powered by seven goals, five assists, 1.9 critical passes, and 2.2 tackles per game, according to Sofascore.

However, it should be mentioned that the next season he was also a significant player in their title crusade, scoring several crucial goals as he produced another outstanding eight goal contributions from left-back, all while preserving his somewhat eccentric demeanor.

I miss #GjanniCam 💛🩵😄. #lufc #mot #alioski @BoomBoxBoy2 pic.twitter.com/JNoCd6Phrt

— Matt Curry 🏆💙💛 (@MattCurry2112) August 31, 2023

While the 31-year-old still held his own in the Premier League, his departure for Saudi Arabia resulted from a failure to reach an agreement with the club over a new contract, leaving a vacancy in a position he had made his own over the years.

At first, Bielsa’s arrival in Barcelona and capture of Junior Firpo appeared to be a masterclass, as the famed Argentine tactician appeared to have accomplished one of the biggest coups in their recent history to secure a successor.

The 27-year-old was brought to Elland Road for just £12.8 million, with the Dominican Republic international hailed as an all-action attacking full-back ideal for the game on display in Yorkshire.

However, he rapidly earned a reputation as a defensive “liability,” as journalist David Anderson remarked, with his two years in the English top division earning average ratings of 6.55 and 6.60 on Sofascore.

Pascal Struijk, a natural center-back, was even called in to fill in at times during last year’s disastrous season.

It’s fair to say he hasn’t made a good case for the position, which is still up for grabs. So, present an alternative. Anyone remember Jamie Shackleton?

How talented is Jamie Shackleton?

 

Shackleton, while being an attacking midfielder by trade, has started this season by demonstrating his incredible adaptability and quality in a variety of areas.

Just last week, he stood up as a keen creative threat from left-back with the athleticism to maintain stability in their 0-0 draw with Sheffield Wednesday.

His 7.6 rating, 99 touches, 89% pass accuracy, and three critical passes all contribute to his sustained engagement in the game, according to Sofascore. Not to mention he also had two tackles, one clearing, and six duels won.

Following this performance, the £1m-rated dynamo appears ready for a run of first-team games as he gradually matures into his role following a strong loan spell with Millwall last year. Farke even singled him out for praise recently, writing:

“I’m madly in love with Jamie.” So I think he’s underappreciated at times because he can play all positions wherever he plays, he’s always reliable, always solid, always a wonderful teammate, and he gives us everything.”

Shackleton appears to be revving up to finally solve that problem position once and for all, with the 23-year-old’s remarkable attributes suggesting he, too, may be the next creative defender to imitate Alioski’s success.